Chapstick

Many of us use chapstick to keep our lips moist daily or when our lips are dry. It’s important to check the ingredients in your chapstick because if it’s store bought, it’s most likely got chemicals you don’t want on your body, let along in your mouth. Ideally, we would make our own. I tried several chapstick/ lip balm recipes before I found the perfect one. The shea butter helps give lips a glossy sheen. See below for the recipe.

Before purchasing chapstick/lip balm, you want to make sure it does not contain the following:

Parabens (such as Methylparaben, Butylparaben) – These chemicals have a weak ability to mimic estrogen, and though it is not confirmed, there is suspicion there between parabens and breast cancer. Parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors and are linked to reproductive toxicity. The ingredient methylparaben was also found to block the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen.

Synthetic Dyes – Synthetic colors include things such as coal tar and heavy metal salts that leave toxins on your skin. Not only can this cause skin sensitivity and irritation, but animal studies have also shown almost all FD&C colors to to be carcinogenic. Hence can increase our chance of cancer.

Chemical Sunscreens (such as oxybenone) – These chemicals are endocrine disruptors (chemicals that can interfere with endocrine -or hormone- systems . The CDC has detected oxybenzone in more than 96 percent of the U.S. population, with higher concentrations found during the summer months.

Humectants (hyaluronic Acid, glycerin) – These ingredients pull moisture out of the skin, especially in a dry environment, and then the water evaporates.

Frangrance/ flavors – (just another name for “hidden” chemicals) – Fragrance formulations are considered a “trade secret” and therefore protected from disclosure – even to regulators or manufacturers. Instead, we see “fragrance” or “natural flavors” , appearing on ingredients lists for countless cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products. A single scent may contain anywhere from 50 to 300 distinct chemicals. A new Bill takes on Toxic Secrets in Fragrance and Flavors and hopefully this will pass.